RUN OFFENSE: Yet another balanced rushing attack, though DeAngelo Williams’ 81 yards was far and away the team leader. Mike Tolbert, Ted Ginn, Cam Newton and Brandon LaFell all had productive days for a group that picked up 131 yards, nine first downs and one touchdown. Grade: A-

PASS OFFENSE: Cam Newton’s 118.9 passer rating was in line with his recent performances and his 72-yard TD throw to DeAngelo Williams was Williams’ career long. But Newton said he missed some throws early in the red zone that led to field goals so it wasn’t a perfect game. Grade: B

RUN DEFENSE: Perhaps the greatest cause for concern, even as the Jets entered with one of the top rushing offenses in the league. New York picked up 157 yards and seven first downs on the ground, with Chris Ivory gashing them for a 35-yarder in the second quarter. Grade: C-

PASS DEFENSE: Whether being called out by Santonio Holmes motivated the Panthers like they said it did or not, this group was effective as it pressured rookie quarterback Geno Smith throughout and held him to a 68.6 passer rating. Grade: A

SPECIAL TEAMS: Graham Gano’s three field goals and six touchbacks were his expected solid performance, but Jason Williams blocking a punt wasn’t. It was the Panthers first blocked punt since 2010 and was the biggest momentum-changer of the contest. Grade: A

COACHING: Ron Rivera continues to show why he gets his team’s attention by saying how if Holmes’ comments “challenge one of them, they challenge us all.” He also took responsibility for what appeared to be a rather reckless fourth-and-2 gamble at the Jets 14 in the third quarter. “I was trying to get a spark,” Rivera said. “It didn’t work and this is part of the game.” Grade: B